North Belfast Harriers athlete Gladys Ganiel O’Neill excelled as hundreds of athletes took to the stunning trails of Tollymore Forest in County Down for the annual 26extreme Tollymore Trail Marathon Events (Saturday 11th November 2017).

Northern Ireland and Ireland international Gladys clocked an impressive 1:25:04 (1st place) over the tough Half Marathon course, this was enough to see the former Commonwealth Games star take 1st place overall. Andrew Neill followed in 1:27:37 for 1st place in the men’s race.

The day’s action kicked off at 8am, when the 39 mile Ultra runners began their gruelling three lap journey. At the front, Peter Cromie and Anthony Whelan dominated – in the end, just over a minute separated the experienced pair. Peter won in 5:00:14 (1st place), with Anthony following in 5:01:41 (2nd place). Eimear McCracken saw off experienced opposition in the form of Louise Smart and Helena Dornan for a well-deserved victory in the ladies race; Eimear crossed the line in 6:01:08 (1st place).

Colum Gaile, Gordy Graham and Phil Wood played out an interesting men’s Marathon race. Little separated the trio over the classic distance – Colum increased his lead late on to win in 2:58:14 (1st place), with just 25 seconds splitting Gordy and Phil. Gordy secured 2nd place in 3:04:28, with Phil taking 3rd place in 3:04:53. Amanda Perry was the clear winner of the ladies race in 3:29:19 (1st place).

In the 10k race, Shane King won in 37:11 (1st place), while Lisa Whitcroft broke the tape first in the ladies race, crossing the line in 45:04 (1st place).

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